Choosing the Right Metal for Your Engagement Ring

Choosing the appropriate metal for your partner’s engagement ring is as important as choosing the gemstone. Traditional metals like yellow gold and white gold are no longer the only options available. Newer styles mean newer metals to keep up with trends. Metals should be chosen to suit the style of the wearer (i.e., someone who prefers classic styles may prefer yellow gold or white gold metals). Read below to find out more about traditional and modern metals and the pros and cons of each.

Platinum is becoming an increasingly-popular metal in engagement rings as it’s naturally bright white sheen enhances a diamond or gemstone’s brilliance. This brightness will not change or fade over time, so additional plating may not be necessary. Prized for its durability, platinum is perfect for the active partner. This durability makes platinum one of the superior metals for securing diamonds or gemstones. Additionally, platinum is a naturally hypoallergenic metal, which is helpful for those with sensitive skin that reacts to certain metals. It should be noted that compared to gold, platinum is five times as rare and pure, which means there is a significant price difference between the two metals.

Silver can range from a bright white to a grayish white, with a matte or polished finish. Pure silver is a softer metal and it is mixed with other metals like copper to increase its durability for jewelry. Since silver is the most affordable of the precious metals it and malleability it is a favorite material for many jewelry designers.

One of the most sought-after metals, white gold, gets its color from a mixture of yellow gold, copper, nickel/palladium, and zinc. White gold is typically plated with rhodium, which helps to prevent scratches and tarnishing. However, this plating must be reapplied over time as it wears away.

Choosing the Right Gold Alloy

If you have any questions about engagement ring settings or you would like to try a few different looks, please send us a message or visit our jewelry store.

Growing quickly in popularity, rose gold’s feminine and romantic color is a result of a mixture of yellow gold and copper. Rose gold is not plated with rhodium, but can be cleaned and polished by a jeweler regularly.

One of the most sought-after metals, white gold, gets its color from a mixture of yellow gold, copper, nickel/palladium, and zinc. White gold is typically plated with rhodium, which helps to prevent scratches and tarnishing. However, this plating must be reapplied over time as it wears away.

The most classic gold metal color, yellow gold, is a result of a mixture of pure gold, copper, and silver. Although white gold has become more widely desired for engagement rings, there is still a high demand for classic yellow gold bands.

While not as usual, green gold obtains its color from a mixture of yellow gold, silver, copper, and zinc. Green gold is often mixed with other gold metals to create a multi-tonal effect.

Alternative Engagement Ring Metals

Caesar’s Designs does not carry alternative engagement ring metals at the store but we can obtain any material you would like from our suppliers. If you wish to see a sample or try-on an alternative material please give us advance notice before visiting our store.

Black Ceramic, while uncommon in jewelry stores, is an excellent alternative to gold wedding bands or engagement rings as it is one of the hardest substances known. Its durability allows black ceramic to never tarnish, scratch, or lose its glossiness. Conversely, since ceramic is not considered to be a metal, it cannot be sized and can break if struck against a hard surface with enough force.

Cobalt chrome rings have a brilliant white color that will not fade over time or need to be replated. These rings are hypoallergenic, which makes them suitable for a partner with sensitive skin. These rings are heavier than titanium rings but lighter than tungsten.

Tungsten Carbide is prized for its durability, as it is ten times harder than 18K gold. This metal is perfect for a partner with an active lifestyle. It is heavier than many other metals; however, it is strong, hypoallergenic, and tarnish-resistant.